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Ex-miner to take on Welsh secretary in Torfaen seat

7:50am Wednesday 13th May 2009 in News By Leanne Fender

CHALLENGE: Cllr Fred Wildgust CHALLENGE: Cllr Fred Wildgust

INDEPENDENT Pontypool councillor Fred Wildgust is to contest the Torfaen seat at the next general election.

The seat, held by Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy for the past 22 years, has traditionally been a Labour stronghold.

The seat was created in 1983 when it was held by the charismatic Leo Abse who had been the sitting MP in the former Pontypool constituency for 25 years.

Cllr Wildgust says he is not daunted by the prospect of facing trying to overturn a 14,791 majority, saying the area is ready for "radical political change".

The Welsh Secretary said: "I relish any opportunity to discuss the future of our valley but at the moment of course my focus is firmly concentrated on helping local families and businesses through this difficult period."

Former miner Cllr Wildgust represents the Pontypool ward since beating former Labour councillor Lyn Irwin last May by 120 votes.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and People’s Voice parties say they will all contest the seat and are in the process of selecting candidates.

Comments(7)

Wat Tyler 2nd says...
4:01pm Wed 13 May 09

Well someone has got to try and break the labour stranglehold in Torfaen but to be honest I'm not sure that Fred Wildgust is the right person. He might mean well and might even believe some of the stuff he comes out with at times but he simply isn't the man for the job, will get nowhere and just end up taking votes from someone who could oust Mr Murphy. He seems to approach everything like a bull in a china shop, devoid of intelligent or strategic thought jsut crash on in, open gob first and engage brain later. Two feet fred will jump in feet first as usual and we will end up with Mr Murphy still in power. Shame really because in the current climate there are people out there who could get rid of Murphy. Think again Fred, I know you mean well but its not going to happen and your just spoiling it for others who really could do the job.

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KazB says...
7:48pm Wed 13 May 09

Check your spelling Argus ..scecretary..?


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wolvesfan says...
8:56pm Wed 13 May 09

I think he is exactly the type of person that is needed-it has to be someone who will not fawn around politicians and put the needs of the deprived citizens of Torfaen first.
The labour stronghold on Torfaen and in Wales in general is gradually lifting and now is the time for the likes of Fred Wildgust to step up. I wish him every success.

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mintex says...
11:13pm Wed 13 May 09

oh god please dont let this idiot into ant sort of power,
FRED WILDGUST clown,jester and general fool,
remember your salmon saga fred???, go back to mining so that we can all sleep easy.

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Wat Tyler 2nd says...
11:52pm Wed 13 May 09

Thank goodness there are people in Cwmbran with a bit of sense. (mintex, cwmbran) I don't know Fred but have read his stuff. He really does seem like he means well but it takes a bit more than that to be an MP. It isn't about 'fawning' around politicians (wolvesfan, cwmbran) but you do need to be able to get people on your side if you want to get votes through in parliament and get things done. I fear Fred would just annoy everyone and Torfaen would end up in the dark ages. He just doesn't have it and doesn't seem to understand the system. As an example of that, by announcing his intention now (before an election is even called) everything he says on the matter will count towards his election expenses meaning less money for leaflets etc nearer the time when he really needs to get his message across. We may all be fed up with the way Mr Murphy has behaved (and he hasn't offered to pay anything back yet) but you don't announce your intentions to your opponent this early in the game. Sorry but Fred just isn't up to the job.

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wolvesfan says...
8:30pm Thu 14 May 09

Unfortunately, you fail to realise that Torfaen already is in the dark ages- no jobs, poor prospects and councillors who don't do their jobs properly and seek full recompense for their incompetence- Cllr wellington that means you, overspending in your dept and then turning all the lights off in cwmbran to try and offset your bundling.
At least the independents are able to uncover some of the corruption at Torfaen council.
It would be great to think that Fred could transfer his skills to represent the constituency- perhaps he'll be more upfront about any dodgy expenses for boilers he might claim
And ruffling feathers never hurt anyone,Clare Short admirably represented her constituents for years.

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Salem says...
2:18am Sat 16 May 09

Go for it Fred dont listen to any of these wimpering wimps who will ask questions of the corrupt shysters then just except having the Wool being Pulled over their Eyes thats how we are in the state in..nobody will bring them to account!!!

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